BACK & THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN Flashcards
What are the regions of the vertebral column?
Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, Coccygeal
24 mobile and 9 fused vertebrae
What are the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine?
Primary curvature (Kyphosis): Concave forwards before birth
Secondary curvature (Lordosis): Develops in cervical and lumbar regions as the infant lifts the head and stands
What are the typical features of a cervical vertebra?
- Small, delicate body
- Bifid spinous process (except C7)
- Large triangular vertebral foramen
- Transverse foramen for vertebral artery
What distinguishes the Atlas (C1) from other cervical vertebrae?
No vertebral body and no spinous process
Articulates with occipital condyles of the cranium and Axis (C2)
What is the main function of the Atlanto-occipital joint?
Flexion and extension (nodding movements)
Also referred to as the ‘Yes’ joint
What is the main function of the Atlanto-axial joint?
Right and left rotation
Also referred to as the ‘No’ joint
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12 thoracic vertebrae
What are the features of thoracic vertebrae?
- 2 demi facets on the body
- 1 full facet on the transverse process
- Long, posteriorly directed spinous process
- Articulate with ribs
What defines lumbar vertebrae?
- Large kidney-shaped vertebral bodies
- Triangular vertebral foramina
- Short, thick spinous processes
What is the purpose of intervertebral discs?
- Resist compression
- Bind vertebrae
- Shock absorption
- Provide stability and mobility
What are the ligaments of the vertebral column?
- Anterior longitudinal ligament
- Posterior longitudinal ligament
- Ligamentum flavum
- Interspinous ligament
- Supraspinous ligament
- Ligamentum nuchae
What are the two groups of back muscles?
- Superficial (extrinsic) group
- Deep (intrinsic) group
What are the movements of the cervical vertebrae?
Flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation
What are the movements of the thoracic vertebrae?
Rotation, lateral flexion (predominant), flexion, extension (limited)
What are the movements of the lumbar vertebrae?
Flexion, extension (predominant), rotation, lateral flexion (limited)
What is the role of the intervertebral foramen?
Allow structures such as spinal nerves and blood vessels to pass in and out of the vertebral canal
What is the composition of an intervertebral disc?
- Anulus fibrosus (outer)
- Nucleus pulposus (central)
What are common clinical remarks related to the lumbar region?
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) for cerebrospinal fluid
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Access to vertebral canal is relatively easy
What are common injuries to the coccyx?
- Bruises
- Dislocations
- Fractures
What is the typical number of vertebrae in the sacrum?
5 fused vertebrae
What are the special features of thoracic vertebrae?
- Demi facets and full facet for rib articulation
What is the significance of the ligamentum nuchae?
Continuation of supraspinous ligament between C7 and base of skull
What is the clinical importance of cervical spine injuries?
Fracture and dislocation require immobilization
What are the main functions of the vertebral column?
- Support body weight
- Movement
- Protection of spinal cord and spinal nerves
